After utilizing three masts for the first time last year, Caple believes the SmarTmast trademarks of a neat footprint, robust construction and stylish appearance make them the best product of this genre on the market. He was also impressed with Summit's service and attention to detail. Set-up time was extremely limited, so SmarTmast was again the ideal choice. Another constructional advantage was that SmarTmast needs no heavy machinery for erection, and is thus easily workable on a site with limited plant access.
A dynamic programme of Festival entertainment and performances was staged across three main areas of the site: the main stage - an ESS structure rigged in the river; a small domed tent and a large marquee, each with its own lighting and sound requirements. The Friday and Saturday nights culminated in a massive firework extravaganza, co-ordinated to music.
Two SmarTmasts, complete with T-piece tops, were used to flank the main stage - taken full advantage of by PA contractor RG Jones (FOH engineer Simon Hodge) and lighting contractor Vari*Lite Europe (LD Theo Cox). The Masts were rigged on bases in the river to maximize audience space and to optimize lighting and sound production positions for the nightly performance by Hydropyromania - a one-person display of fire and water performance art.
The other four Masts were supplied with 4-way cross-piece tops. They were and rigged with multi-purpose speakers used for anything from public address announcements to reinforcement for the fireworks music, and with lighting fixtures to illuminate the tow path and around site.
(Lee Baldock)
